Scout takes Atticus' advice to heart and uses it
throughout the remainder of the novel. Atticus explained that Miss Caroline's decision
to try and provide young Walter Cunningham with money for lunch (he refused to accept
it) was an honest mistake on her part, and if Scout and Walter "had put ourselves in her
shoes," they would have understood that as a newcomer to town, she could not be expected
to learn the town's ways in a single day. Scout uses this advice effectively at the end
of the novel after she escorts Boo Radley back home following the attack by Bob Ewell.
After Boo closes the door behind him, Scout turns and gazes from the Radley porch at the
neighborhood before her, pretending to stand in Boo's own shoes and visualizing the
scene through his eyes.
Atticus was right. One time he said you never
really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on
the Radley porch was
enough.
Scout had just
previously agreed with Sheriff Heck Tate's decision to call Ewell's death
self-inflicted. She knew that from his point of view, Tate thought he was making a just
decision in order to keep Boo from facing a public investigation. Scout also felt some
compassion for Mayella Ewell, though she understood that Mayella had falsely accused Tom
Robinson, and she recognized the hatred that Mayella had for
Atticus.
...
she seemed somehow fragile-looking... and I was somehow reminded of the row of red
geraniums in the Ewell
yard.
And, at the missionary
circle tea, Scout even feels compassion for her Aunt Alexandra. Following Atticus'
announcement of Tom's death, Scout sees Miss Maudie and Alexandra quickly recover and,
as if nothing had happened, resume serving refreshments. Scout was
impressed.
After all, if Aunty could be a lady at a time
like this, so could I.
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